Methodist Healthcare to Appoint New CEO in December
The San Antonio system will begin its largest expansion in 30 years under incoming president and CEO David Shimp.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Healthcare
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Methodist Healthcare will transition to new leadership on December 1, 2026, as David Shimp assumes the role of president and CEO. Shimp takes the helm of the 56-facility San Antonio system as it initiates its largest expansion in three decades.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a strategic pivot for Methodist Healthcare as it begins a multi-year growth phase. Operators should monitor whether the incoming CEO prioritizes facility footprint growth or clinical service line integration across the system.
Methodist Healthcare operates 11 hospitals, 10 freestanding emergency rooms, and 35 urgent care clinics throughout San Antonio. Incoming CEO David Shimp brings over 20 years of leadership experience to the system's largest expansion project in 30 years.
The players
David Shimp
An experienced hospital executive with over 20 years in healthcare leadership roles at HCA-affiliated facilities.
Methodist Healthcare
A San Antonio-based hospital system jointly owned by HCA Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc.
Dan Miller
The outgoing president of Methodist Healthcare who transitioned to the HCA East Florida Division after a three-year tenure.
The details
David Shimp takes over the executive role from Dan Miller, who led the system since 2023. Shimp previously managed HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and served as CEO of Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso. His experience in high-growth markets will be tested as he oversees Methodist Healthcare's long-term expansion efforts while maintaining daily operational standards across its existing network.
Timeline
December 1, 2026: David Shimp officially begins his role as president and CEO.
August 2026: Dan Miller announced his departure from the organization.
2023: Dan Miller was appointed president of Methodist Healthcare.
December 2021: David Shimp became CEO of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital.
2017 to 2021: David Shimp served as CEO of Del Sol Medical Center.
Market Landscape
The leadership change arrives as Methodist Healthcare enters the most significant growth period in its 30-year history. This transition mirrors a broader industry pattern where regional systems hire experienced HCA-affiliated executives to manage complex facility footprint expansions.
Local healthcare operators and suppliers should prepare for potential shifts in procurement and vendor partnerships under the new executive leadership. Monitoring the system's capital expenditure filings will be essential to understanding the specific trajectory of the upcoming 30-year expansion project.
The takeaway
The appointment of David Shimp signals a shift in operational focus for the region's largest provider as it pivots toward a new growth cycle. Peers should watch for updates to the system's facility development roadmap following the December 1, 2026 transition date.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional hospital system governance and expansion, visit Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
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